Old washrooms blamed for dysentery in schools

An epidemic of dysentery is spreading rapidly in Britain. The number of cases has risen fourfold since last year, according to the latest government figures. Scientists are baffled by the increase, but suspect that poor hygiene in schools may be to blame.

The figures will strengthen claims by Britain's biggest teaching union, the National Union of Teachers, that standards of cleaning in schools are deteriorating. Earlier this year, the NUT published a survey of school washrooms which revealed that many have no soap, only cold running water and often run out of toilet paper. The union claims that with schools now managed locally, headteachers may be under pressure to save money on cleaning - and poor conditions have worsened.

Rodney Cartwright, director of the government's Public Health Laboratory in Guildford, Surrey, has been monitoring the outbreak. He supports the NUT's view that 'schools with Victorian washbasins and cold water are ...

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